No Insurance, No Plate Renewals

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No Insurance, No Plate Renewals

McGuinty Government Improving Road Safety

Starting November 29, a new system will help keep uninsured drivers off Ontario's roads by providing on-the-spot confirmation of insurance when drivers go to renew their licence plate.

In Ontario, it is mandatory for all vehicles to have valid insurance coverage. Currently, drivers are required to provide proof of insurance when renewing their vehicle's licence plates. The new electronic verification system will allow the province to confirm directly with the Insurance Bureau of Canada if a vehicle has mandatory insurance coverage during the license plate renewal process.

Partnering with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to check for valid insurance in real-time will make sure that drivers have insurance that is valid and up-to-date. It will also help keep Ontario's roads safe by ensuring there are fewer uninsured vehicles on the road and less risk to other drivers.

Quick Facts

There are approximately 13.6 million registered passenger vehicles in Ontario.

All vehicles on Ontario's roads must be insured. There are tough penalties for driving without insurance: o A fine of up to $25,000 for a first offence o A fine of up to $50,000 for a second offence, and the possibility of a driver's licence suspension for up to one year.

Quotes

“Ontario's roads are already among the safest in North America. And we are building upon our excellent safety record by keeping uninsured vehicles and their drivers off our roads. The message is clear: to drive in Ontario, you must be insured ” it's the law.”

“Insurance Bureau of Canada and the automobile insurance industry in Ontario continue to work together with the Province on the Uninsured Vehicles Project, in order to promote road safety in Ontario. The Uninsured Vehicles Project's global launch in late November 2010 is a significant achievement for the Province and the insurance industry in deterring uninsured vehicles on Ontario's roads.”